Interactive art experience on Sept 20-Oct 13: Abstract artist David Chew’s exhibit combines painting, music

Chew stands beside one of his most striking pieces, 'Past, Today, Future' during the exclusive media preview of his solo art show held at Hoan Gallery, La Promenade Mall in Kota Samarahan on Sept 18, 2024.

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Sept 18: David Chew, a contemporary abstract artist, has returned to the local art scene with his second solo exhibition, ‘Come Into Your Own’, at Hoan Gallery, La Promenade Mall in Kota Samarahan, a decade after his debut.

The exhibition, which will be on display from Sept 20 to Oct 13, aims to engage both the local community and a larger audience through bold, meaningful explorations of emotion, movement, and art’s deeper purpose.

“My first solo show was 10 years ago, but now, it feels right to create something more meaningful,” said Chew, reflecting on his journey.

He made these remarks during an exclusive media preview of his solo art show, which took place today at Hoan Gallery.

Chew, known for his innovative abstract approach, creates pieces devoid of recognisable physical subjects like landscapes or buildings.

Instead, his art features textures, lines, and colours that evoke intangible feelings and concepts.

In his signature style, Chew uses ‘action painting’, where the movements of the artist are captured on canvas, creating a delicate balance between control and chaos.

“If it’s too controlled, you lose the freedom. If it’s too uncontrolled, it becomes accidental chaos,” Chew explained.

The exhibition also touches on the distinction between human artistry and artificial intelligence (AI), a topic discussed at an international art camp he recently attended.

Chew emphasised that while AI can create technically perfect renderings, it lacks the spontaneity and soul that a human artist imbues into their work.

“These pieces are unique; they can never be recreated, much like a jazz performance,” he said.

Part of the exhibit includes an interactive component where visitors can match QR-coded music with each painting, allowing for a multi-sensory experience.

“Each painting has its own musical piece, and the viewers are given the freedom to interpret and rename the paintings based on their personal experience of the art and music combined,” said the art show’s curator, Dr Nana Zheng from the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).

Zheng speaks to reporters during the exclusive media preview of Chew’s solo art show held at Hoan Gallery, La Promenade Mall in Kota Samarahan on Sept 18, 2024.

Each painting is paired with QR-coded music, allowing viewers to explore the artworks through both sight and sound.

One of the most striking pieces is ‘Past, Today, Future’, a massive art piece measuring 213.5 x 511cm that explores the passage of time.

Priced at RM70,000, this large-scale work took over one and a half months to complete.

Chew explained that the upper section of the painting, representing the past, reflects faded but poignant memories.

“The past is a mix of good and bad, but it shapes who we are today,” he shared.

The middle section, bursting with vivid details, symbolises the clarity and vibrance of the present.

Meanwhile, the future is illustrated with broad strokes, signifying uncertainty and the promise of what’s to come.

“I used the word ‘today’ instead of ‘present’ to emphasise the importance of the current moment,” Chew said, highlighting the thoughtful layers in his work.

He went on to say that his son also contributed to the ‘Future’ section, creating spontaneous strokes and textures that added vibrancy and unpredictability to the piece.

“My son would come into my studio while I worked at home and would pick up a brush, mimicking my movements,” Chew shared with a smile.

“Rather than stopping him, I encouraged him to express himself. His contribution became an essential part of the artwork, bringing in youthful energy that balances the more controlled elements.”

The exhibition will feature over 40 pieces of Chew’s art, including the largest, oldest, and most recent works, as well as three paintings created with his seven-year-old son.

Furthermore, Chew highlighted an intriguing aspect of the show—a corner representing the summary message of the entire exhibition.

Here, visitors are invited to engage in a reflective process by writing down their thoughts or feelings, placing them in envelopes, and either mailing them to themselves for later reflection or exchanging them with another visitor.

This interactive feature embodies the core message of the exhibit, focusing on self-awareness and human connection.

Visitors are encouraged to sit and share their thoughts on the abstract artworks at Chew’s solo art exhibition.

Admission to the gallery is free, and it is open to the public daily. All artworks are available for purchase.

For further information, visit https://www.hoangallery.com/ or follow @HoanArtGallery.

Updates are also available at https://www.lapromenademall.com.my/ and on social media at @LaPromenadeMall. — DayakDaily